Air-water flow in bottom outlets

Bottom outlets involve high-velocity air-water flow. Depending on the tunnel length, both air entrainment and air detrainment processes are significant. These processes are evaluated using a hydraulic model consisting of a long rectangular tunnel with a bottom slope larger than the critical slope. Expressions are presented for the maximum air concentration and its streamwise development along the tunnel. A prediction of mixture flow depth along the tunnel is developed. Design guidelines are presented relating to the flow pattern required, the air supply system, and the downstream submergence. The effect of tunnel length on the development of mixture flow characteristics is also outlined. A typical example shows the design procedure for bottom outlets.Key words: air entrainment, air-water flow, high-velocity flow, tunnel flow.